English Explanatory Dictionary

caravan

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. A convoy or procession of travellers, their cargo and vehicles, and any pack animals, especially camels crossing a desert.
  2. A furnished vehicle towed behind a car, etc., and used as a dwelling when stationary.
  3. A group of camels.
verb
  1. To travel in a caravan (procession).
  2. To travel and/or live in a caravan (vehicle).

Pronunciation

kărˈə-văn /ˈkæɹəvæn/ EN-AU ck1 caravan.ogg /ˈkɛɹəvæn/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-Naomi Persephone Amethyst (NaomiAmethyst)-caravan.wav En-us-caravan.ogg /ˈkaɾəvan/ /kaɾəˈvan/

Word forms

caravan caravans caravanning caravaning caravanned caravaned

Etymology

From Middle French caravane, from Old French carvane, from Persian کاروان (kârvân), from Middle Persian kʾlwʾn' (kārawān), from Old Persian 𐎣𐎠𐎼 (k-a-r, “people, subjects”). The word was used to designate a group of people who were travelling by camel or horse on the Silk Road. Doublet of Kairouan.

Synonyms

camel train caravanserai convoy pack train wagon train camper recreational vehicle RV trailer travel trailer

Related words

caravansary caravanserai van

Derived words

caravan city caravaneer caravaner caravanette caravanist caravan-like caravanlike caravan park caravan parker caravan site motor caravan motor-caravan motorcaravan static caravan caravanner
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